Bologna assistant Andrea Tarozzi has branded Lewis Ferguson "fundamental" to the club as he clamped interest from Rangers. The Serie A side's management team have made their stance on the player clear during pre-season training in Italy and don't appear keen to lose their skipper.
Ferguson's Role Under New Management
It was a tough campaign for the captain last term as he struggled for regular game time under Vincenzo Italiano after recovering from a nightmare cruciate ligament injury. But during his time in Italy, Ferguson has lifted the Coppa Italia while also leading the club into the Champions League with a fifth-place finish. New boss Domenico Tedesco and his lieutenant Tarozzi have noted the achievements of the Scotland international, who impressed at the World Cup, during his time at the club, amid interest from Rangers.
Asked what role Ferguson will play next term amid links with the Glasgow giants and Atalanta, Tarozzi responded: "This is more of a question for the coach, but I can tell you that Ferguson is a very important player for us. I can write that in capital letters. He's a fundamental element. We know his importance to Bologna after what he's done in recent years. I'm sure the coach will find the best position for him to showcase his qualities."
Rangers' Transfer Approach and Complications
Rangers have approached the Italian side over a deal, with the prospect of a player-plus-cash deal floated amid Bologna's interest in Connor Barron alongside a mega £17 million deal. Ferguson's dad Derek and uncle Barry both turned out for the Light Blues, and it has previously been mentioned by the pair that the youngster was determined to follow in their footsteps when he left Aberdeen in 2022, but the approach never came.
A deal could hinge on Nico Raskin's future, after he impressed at the World Cup with Belgium. Derek McInnes is keen on adding a key new midfielder to his engine room, with Ferguson as well as the likes of £8.5 million-rated Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl and Partizan Belgrade starlet Vanja Dragojevic on his list of targets.
